Definition of Direct Characterization Direct characterization means the way an author or another character within the story describes or reveals a character, through the use of descriptive adjectives, epithets, or phrases. In other words, direct characterization happens when a writer…
Category: Literary Devices
Comparatives
Definition of Comparatives Every day, people compare things, places, and people. They compare things and objects using specific words such as than, more, or less, etc. This comparison is called “comparative form.” In grammar, a comparative is an adjective or…
Character
Definition of Character All stories need certain necessary elements. Without these elements, literary works often fail to make sense. For instance, one of the essential elements of every story is a plot with a series of events. Another important element…
Process Essay
Definition of Process Essay As the name suggests, this type of essay explains a process of making or breaking something. These essays are often written in chronological order, or in numerical order to show step-by-step processes. They are written in…
Persuasive Essay
Definition of Persuasive Essay The term “persuasive” is an adjective derived from verb “persuade,” which means “to convince somebody.” A persuasive essay is full of all the convincing techniques a writer can employ. It presents a situation, and takes a…
Expository Essay
Definition of Expository Essay Expose means to uncover or lay something bare, or to discover something in a way that others know what it is. Expository is derived from exposition, which is a noun of ‘expose.’ An expository essay is…
Critical Essay
Definition of Critical Essay Contrary to the literal name of “critical,” this type of essay is not only an interpretation, but also an evaluation of a literary piece. It is written for a specific audience, who are academically mature enough…
Comparison and Contrast Essay
Definition of Comparison and Contrast Essay A comparison and contrast essay compares two similar objects, or contrasts dissimilar objects, in a way that readers become informed about the advantages and disadvantages of both the objects. Readers are then able to…
Cause and Effect Essay
Definition of Cause and Effect Essay Human beings often try to find root causes of things, happenings and phenomena. This research leads to the discovery of effects, too. It is because human beings always desire to understand reasons for things,…
Argumentative Essay
Definition of Argumentative Essay An argumentative essay is a type of essay that presents arguments about both sides of an issue. It could be that both sides are presented equally balanced, or it could be that one side is presented…
Analytical Essay
Definition of Analytical Essay Analytical implies the breaking down of something into parts, or the discussion of something in a way that it becomes a dissection of the whole. An analytical type of essay differs from other types of essays…
Simple Paragraph
Definition of Simple Paragraph A paragraph contains a group of sentences intertwined with each other to discuss, or debate, or explain a central idea. It conventionally begins with an indented line. A beginner writer or a student usually starts writing…
Neologism
Definition of Neologism A neologism is a newly-created word used in expressions, in both writing and speaking. However, all neologisms are not entirely new. Some neologisms are built from new uses of old words, while others are combinations of old…
Passive Voice
Definition of Passive Voice A passive voice is a type of a clause or sentence in which an action (through verb), or an object of a sentence, is emphasized rather than its subject. Simply, the subject receives the action of…
Active Voice
Definition of Active Voice In grammar, an active voice is a type of a clause or sentence in which a subject performs an action and expresses it through its representative verb. To simply put it, when a subject performs an…
Imperative Sentence
Definition of Imperative Sentence An imperative sentence is a type of sentence that gives instructions or advice, and expresses a command, an order, a direction, or a request. It is also known as a jussive or a directive. Depending upon…
Suspense
Definition of Suspense Suspense is a literary device that authors use to keep their readers’ interest alive throughout the work. It is a feeling of anticipation that something risky or dangerous is about to happen. The purpose of using this…
Straw Man
Definition of Straw Man The term straw man refers to a form of informal fallacy used in arguments and debates. A type of rhetorical device, straw man is based on refuting the argument of one’s opponent on a view he…
Speaker
Definition of Speaker In writing, the speaker is the voice that speaks behind the scene. In fact, it is the narrative voice that speaks of a writer’s feelings or situation. It is not necessary that a poet is always the…
Lyric
Definition of Lyric Lyric is a collection of verses and choruses, making up a complete song, or a short and non-narrative poem. A lyric uses a single speaker, who expresses personal emotions or thoughts. Lyrical poems, which are often popular…